By Josue Lopez
LAFC and Seattle Sounders, one of the newest rivalries in Major League Soccer, had one more encounter at Lumen Field. The anticipated match was part of the second edition of the Leagues Cup. Seattle joined this instance after defeating Pumas 4-0. The Black and Gold visited the state of Washington after a four-goal victory against the San Jose Earthquakes.
Sounders, known for its counterattack, came with a 4-2-3-1 formation with Albert Rusnak, Cristian Roldan, and Jordan Morris in the offense. The visitors had a 3-5-3 lineup, with Denis Bouanga, Mateus Bougusz, and veteran Kei Kamara in offense. Rayan Hollingshead and Sergi Palencia, played on the left and right sides of the field respectively.
Knowing the counterattacking threat that Seattle is, the Black and Gold jumped the lines in two of the three goals. A long pass by central defender Maxime Chanot was captured by Rayan Hollinshead on the left side. The former FC Dallas player came out of the left side and placed the ball in the net giving LAFC a one-goal advantage, this in the 14th minute. Fifteen minutes later, a corner and a scrambled play in the Sounders area was concluded by a scissors kick by Kei Kamara. Thus, the first half had the Black and Gold with a ¨Dos a Cero¨ advantage.
Eight minutes after the second half´s start, Hugo Lloris took the ball quickly and made a long pass, this time to the center of the Sounder´s area. Between two of Seattle defenders, Denis Bouanga appeared through them and ended with his 11th goal in Leagues Cup history. Thus, the LAFC Designed Player gave the victory and surpassed Lionel Messi as the player with the most goals in the Leagues Cup´s history.
LAFC will face Colorado at BMO Stadium. The Rapids came to the semifinals after defeating Liga MX´s back-to-back champions Club America after a long penalty shootout.
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